By Ruscoe Bustenera-Kirby

It was a privilege and an honour to meet Encarna Fernandez, one of the artisans in Pueblo Espanyol Barcelona who is a master of hand embroidery. Her title of the Mestres Artesans Diploma is proudly displayed beside her working table as she showed me how she embroiders by hand.

I’m in awe of her craftsmanship, precision, attention to detail and her creativity in mixing colours. Her wit and sense of humour still shines through despite the language barrier.

It’s unbelievable that she’s been doing hand embroidery since she was 16 years old. In this technological world, it’s inspiring to see  artisans like Encarna, who is keeping the genuineness of craftsmanship and skill alive. I’m now a proud owner of one of her embroidered handkerchief which I will keep close to my heart. 

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